Chibnal paid tribute to Moffat, saying: “He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”

The report has already got fans speculating about who could be named as the next Doctor.

Comedian, director and star of sitcom The IT Crowd Richard Ayoade is one name that has been mooted.

Harry Potter favourite Rupert Grint is another star some fans have thrown into the hat. The 27-year-old former child star would actually be older than fan-favourite Matt Smith was when he took on the role.

Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle could continue a long Scottish association with Dr Who, following in the footsteps of Capaldi himself, as well as David Tennant and Sylvester McCoy.

Some fans believe the time is right for a female Doctor, with Actress Hayley Atwell having reportedly thrown her hat in the ring on Twitter last year.